reached within an hour, and they alighted in front of a magnificent group of hangars in the center of well-tilled fields, so located as to afford a view in all directions from the grounds. The machine was then put up for the night, and Tom and the boys were glad to turn in for a much-needed rest.

It was now the first day of September, and there had been nearly one month of war. The immense German forces had hewn their way through Belgium and entered France, reaching the cities of Laon, Epernay, and Chalons-sur-Marnek, thus forming a huge circle. They were within forty-five miles of Paris.

When the boys awoke the next morning the first words that greeted them were: "The Germans are within five miles of Soissons."

They rushed over to the hangar, but the machine[Pg 70] and Tom were not to be found. This was another source of grief to them, and they stared about, and wondered at this new turn of affairs until, meeting an attendant, Ralph inquired:

[Pg 70]

"Do you know where the Morane has gone?"

"They all started on a reconnoitering trip at five this morning," was the reply.

"Do you think they will come back here?" asked Alfred.

"That is doubtful," answered the man.

"Then we shall have to make our way to Paris as best we can," said Ralph. "Do you think we would have any chances on the railroad?"

"It's doubtful. I should take my chances over the highway directly south, if I wanted to make Paris," answered the man. Then, after a little reflection, he added: "A large English force is expected to be here from Laon, and it may arrive before noon. Possibly the flyers will return, but if the German forces are too close, they will go on to the next station at Crepy, directly south of this place."

"Then that's the place for us," proposed Alfred, as he thanked their informant.

They had no trouble in getting breakfast and after waiting for an hour, during which all sorts of rumors were floating about, they concluded that their only course would be to commence the trip. It was not necessary for them to inquire the way, as the highway, in the distance was filled with fugitives, all trying to get to Paris, or, at least, to avoid the invaders while there was yet time.[Pg 71]

[Pg 

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